Remember Who YOU Are

Today's sermon was delivered by Rev. Rob Morpeth (left). Rev. Morpeth serves as Deputy for Finance on Bishop Parsley's Senior Staff.

REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. The Christian journey is a lifelong journey. We are constantly processing into what God purposed us to be. That is the core of our true selves. The world would have us be who it wants us to be. Becoming a saint is a matter of being who we are. Patterning after others is not the road to becoming our true selves. Each of us is an individual. While we may admire another’s traits and qualities it remains our responsibility to evolve into the person God wants us to be as an individual.
The world tries to pull us from God’s given goal. Many define their self worth by education, wealth, position, and manmade treasures. The ways of the world are ever changing. The things of the world pass away. God’s way has remained and will remain the same throughout time. He never goes out of style. We build our treasures in heaven with the Almighty. Never tie your sense of self worth to worldly things, your car, home, education or job. There are those who won’t retire because they have become one with their occupation. Their self worth is tied up in their job. If they retire they feel they will lose their identity. A mountain of debt and anguish can accumulate from amassing “things”, in an effort to be accepted by and gain self worth from the world.

Paul admonishes us to remember who we are. We fellowship to remember ourselves and gain strength to continue the Christian journey. Where the world says, “You are small, poor, weak, forgotten, insignificant…, You say I am BLESSED in Jesus!”

We are marked as Christ’s own forever! Nothing can separate us from the love of God!
Live not as the world defines you but, as God created you. ***



SCRIPTURES2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14

Mark 6:14-29

OFFERTORY
The Voices of Praise Offertory Anthem was Power of Your Love with Deacon Carolyn Foster as soloist. The Communion song of praise, Holy Spirit Rain Down was a duet done by Cecil and Olivia Washington. Providing background vocals were Joyce Ladd and Carolyn Foster.

BOTTOM:l. to r.

Joyce Ladd, Cecil Washington,
Olivia Washington

TOP: Carolyn Foster

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo is on vacation with her family. She will return July 19th. If there are any emergencies while she is away, contact Deacon Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact Rev. Scott-Wingo.

+ St. Mark's Garden- We are planting a garden on the church grounds. See Deacon Carolyn for details

+Bible Study every Tuesday at noon in the Fellowship Hall

+ Let us keep Marc Smith in out prayers and all who are participating in the General Convention in Anaheim, CA from July 8th through July 17th. We also pray for safe travel for Marc and Sundra.
Almighty and ever living God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in the General Convention of the Episcopal Church for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

+Prayer Requests- If you would like the congregation to pray for a specific request for you or your family, please place your prayer request in the box on the back table in the sanctuary. If you would like prayer but not have the details published in the bulletin, then make a note that your prayer request is “unspoken.”

Nikara Washington ( standing)conducts ECW meeting after morning service.

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Be On God's Side

Rev. Bill Blackerby has been a college chaplain at various campuses for over 16 years. He recently ventured into another area of ministry, that of teaching. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Blackerby during Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo's absence.

Rev. Blackerby remarked that through teaching you also learn. During this Fourth of July weekend the analogy of the war between the states and that of Abraham Lincoln’s role was explored. North and south both felt that, God was on their side. Such an announcement provokes the question,” How can God be for both sides?” Each faction feels that it is the superior one.

When Abraham Lincoln became president he was given a dismissive attitude by his associates. He was not from a privileged family, he was self educated, his clothing was worn and ill-fitting. William Seward who served as Secretary of State viewed Lincoln as inept and someone who’d won the election by a fluke. Seward, because of his feelings of superiority to Lincoln felt that he would actually be in charge of running things.

It is easy for us to categorize and make assumptions because of someone’s background or education. After realizing Lincoln’s competence Seward gained a respect for the president.

Jesus was treated in much this same way. Because of his humbleness he was disrespected, degraded and later killed. The reality is that God works through whomever he chooses. The warring factions of the north and south believed that, God was on their side. Instead of God being on our side, be on God’s side.
Be open to God working through people we least likely expect. This requires trust and humility from us. It is a gift to us and indeed Gospel.


SCRIPTURES
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13

*****
The Offertory Anthem and Communion Hymn
was player by Paul Goldman on the recorder. He also serves as Sr. Warden for St. Mark's.

Paul Goldman
ANNOUNCEMENTS



BISHOP ROBERT O. MILLER
Burial services were held for retired bishop, Bob Miller July 3rd, at 11:00 a.m. at Cathedral Church of the Advent. Bishop Miller had had heart surgery, had gone home from the hospital, and a few days later was readmitted to a critical care unit. There he died on June 29th. The Wingo family has very fond feelings for Bishop Miller as he was the Bishop who ordained them and oversaw them during their early ministry. Please keep his wife Peggy and their children and grandchildren in your prayers. Click here to read more about the life and ministry of Bishop Miller
ECW meeting Sunday, July 12, 2009. 11:30-12:30 in the sanctuary

Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo is on vacation with her family. She will return July 18th. If there are any emergencies while she is away, contact Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact Rev. Scott-Wingo. The Rev. Bill Blackerby will be leading worship on July 5th and the Rev. Rob Morpeth will be leading worship on July 12th. Each of these gifted priests will be sharing their gifts with us. We welcome them.

The General Convention for the Episcopal Church in the United States will convene July 6th in Anaheim, California. The convention will last for ten days. Marc Smith will be representing the diocese there. Please keep him in your prayers. Being a deputy to convention takes a lot of hard work and commitment and we are blessed that Marc is willing to serve in this way.

+ St. Mark's Garden- We are planting a garden on the church grounds. See Deacon Carolyn for details.

+Prayer Requests- If you would like the congregation to pray for a specific request for you or your family, please place your prayer request in the box on the back table in the sanctuary. If you would like prayer but not have the details published in the bulletin, then make a note that your prayer request is “unspoken.”

+Bertha Smith asks for your prayers regarding Daughters of the King (DOK). There is possibility that DOK may no longer be an Episcopal Order but an Ecumenical organization.

JULY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

July is bursting with birthdays and anniversaries at St. Mark's.

top row left to right: Elgin & Andrea Duckery, Rev. Bill Blackerby & wife(not pictured),

Cassandra & Anthony Joseph.

bottom row left to right: David & Carlene Joseph, Ethan Duckery, Mamie Hymes,Alice Long

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Independence Day also known as 4th of July is the birthday of the United States of America. It is celebrated on July 4th each year in the United States. It is the anniversary of the day on which the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress - July 4, 1776. The day they announced to the world that the 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain. Independence Day was first observed in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776. reprinted from Just4Kids Magazine.

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The EYES Have It

The way we see things often depends on what we were taught. In today’s Gospel the daughter of Jairus is at the point of death. Jairus falls at Jesus’ feet and begs him to come and lay hands on his daughter so that she will live.

As Jesus travels toward the home of Jairus, “…a woman who had been suffering hemorrhages for twelve years…” had heard about the miracles of Jesus. She “came up behind Jesus and touched his cloak.” It was her faith and perception that if she could only touch his garment she would be healed. After doing so, she was immediately healed. Even surrounded by such a large crowd Jesus felt the power go forth from him and asked who had touched him? The woman was afraid to confess but fell at Jesus’ feet and told him the truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.” This woman realized she didn’t have to do anything to get Jesus attention. He knew her as he knows us all.

Word then came that Jairus’ daughter had died. While many had given up Jesus said, “ Do not fear, only believe.” Jesus along with three of his Disciples passed the wailing ,weeping people and entered the house. Assuredly, he let them know that the child was not dead, only asleep.
Seeing the child, Jesus took her hand and said to her, “Little girl get up!” The girl awoke and when Jesus returned to the mourning family he told them to give her something to eat and ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

There is hope and life where you may think there is none.
God forgives mistakes. Believe it. See things with new eyes.

SCRIPTURES
Wisdom of Solomon 1:13-15; 2:23-24

Lamentations 3:21-33

Mark 5:21-43

OFFERTORY

The Offertory music was provided by Elgin Duckery.

Elgin performed Holy, Holy, Holy on the tuba.

A recent graduate of Hoover High School ,

Elgin will attend college this fall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

+Sawyerville Day Camp- The St. Mark’s mid-week Bible study donated a gift of fifty-four books authored mostly by African Americans to the

Sawyerville Day Camp. Giving the gift of reading to children who would otherwise not have any books is an important ministry. Every year the Sawyerville Day Camp will have need of books. Maybe next year we will be able to donate even more.

+ECW meeting Sunday, July 12, 2009. 11:30-12:30 in the sanctuary

+From Rev. Sara Scott-Wingo- Beginning Wednesday afternoon, I will be on vacation. I will return July 18th. If there are any emergencies while I am gone, contact Carolyn Foster who will be able to contact me. The Rev. Bill Blackerby will be leading worship on July 5th and the Rev. Rob Morpeth will be leading worship on July 12th. Each of them is a gifted priest and I am excited that they will be sharing their gifts with you. Please make them feel welcome, and know I will be looking forward to returning to you on July 18th.

+The General Convention for the Episcopal Church in the United States will convene July 6th in Anaheim, California. The convention will last for ten days. Marc Smith will be representing the diocese there. Please keep him in your prayers. Being a deputy to convention takes a lot of hard work and commitment and we are blessed that Marc is willing to serve in this way. An invitation to St. Stephens Church June 28, 2009, from 3:30-5:30 was extended to all who wished to talk with the clergy and lay deputies who will be representing the Diocese of Alabama at the General Convention

+Prayer Requests- If you would like the congregation to pray for a specific request for you or your family, please place your prayer request in the box on the back table in the sanctuary. If you would like prayer but not have the details published in the bulletin, then make a note that your prayer request is “unspoken.”

*Update on Joan Anderson. The transplant request has not been sent yet because Joan is completing tests the result of which have to be attached along with lab work and doctor's notes. She has one more test after Monday's nuclear stress test and that's the colon exam.
Joan thanks all of St. Mark's for their prayers and the success of her kidney transplant.

+Bertha Smith asks for your prayers regarding Daughters of the King (DOK). There is a possibility that DOK may no longer be an Episcopal Order but an Ecumenical organization.

VISITOR(S)

Welcome to the mother of Cassandra Joseph. Mrs. Marietta Andry was a part of the worship service today. Mrs. Andry is here visiting her daughter and family.

l.to r. Cassandra Joseph and her mother

Mrs. Marietta Andry

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